What is the first step in the event of a food safety investigation?

The first step in the event of a food safety investigation is to secure the food items in question and begin an assessment. This action is crucial because it helps preserve any potential evidence that might be needed to determine the cause of the food safety issue. By securing the food items, investigators can ensure that they are not contaminated, tampered with, or altered in any way during the investigation process.

Beginning an assessment allows for an immediate evaluation of the situation, which can include examining the food items, checking storage conditions, and determining any possible sources of contamination or violation of safety protocols. This step is foundational because it establishes the facts and allows investigators to take the appropriate next steps based on the evidence collected.

Ensuring that the food items are secured and assessed helps maintain food safety standards and protects public health, making it a critical priority when faced with any potential food safety incident.